EXECUTION OF WALSH.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 888, 19 February 1879, Page 2

EXECUTION OF WALSH.

(PER TRESS ASSOCIATION*.) Invercaegiix, Feb. 10.

The execution of Walsh for the murder of his wife at Waikawa took place this morning, within the precincts of the gaol. The proceedings were of a comparatively private nature, although on one ground or another the attendance of official spectators numbered between twenty and thirty, including the Sheriff, W. Stuart, and 'Father Higgins (R, C. Priest), to whose persuasion the condemned man belonged. Shortly after seven, Walsh was brought from his cell into the reception room of the gaol and pinioned by the executioner, a little under-sized Jew, who went about his work in a most busi-ness-like manner, and displayed greatcoolness. Walsh made no statement, but on the previous evening, in reply to the Sheriff, he said that he had no complaint to make of his treatment, or any last request to prefer; that lie had been treated with every kindness and consideration by the Government and gaol officials. The pinioning completed, Walsh was escorted by the officials, and, attended by Father Higgins, walked slowly, but without the slightest apparent trepidation, round the court-yard to the scaffold, the steps of which he ascended unaided, and, accompanied by the Sheriff, the Governor of the Gaol, a warder, and a priest, he was placed in the centre of the platform on the drop. The service used on these occasions was performed by Father Higgins, Walsh making the responses in an audible and firm though muffled tone of voice. Presently the white cap was put on, and the executioner, having adjusted the halter, went below to the station whence the bolt is drawn. Prayers wore continued, and at tlrhangman's signal the Sheriff drew the bolt, there was a slight click, and for those outside all was over. The few who went to the rear of the scaffold, which was covered round by canvas, saw the last of the episode. The executioner sprang on to the legs of the suspended body like a car, swinging about for perhaps half a minute. Death, however, seemed to have taken place with the drop, as there were only a few convulsive movements fov perhaps two or three minutes' space. Dr. Button, gaol surgeon, who stood by until life was extinct, having announced the fact to the sheriff, an adjournment was made to the gaoler's office, where the usual certificate of death, signed by the sheriff", gaoler, visiting justice, and two other spectators, closed the proceedings.